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| President Kagame |
President
Kagame was today
welcomed by 100 Rwandan students and young professionals in Beijing, China. Currently
there are more than 300 Rwandans in 19 cities in China. Victor
Nshunguyimfura, the President of the Rwandan students association,
gave an overview of the community's accomplishments and future goals.
"Our
community has committed $5000 dollars to Agaciro Fund, started an online
sharing platform to transfer online courses and started Itorero. We want to
thank you President for restoring our dignity. Today, we are proud to be called
Rwandans."
The President
said that wherever Rwandans go, people recognize the country in them, which is
defined by self-worth, unity and a common goal." The students in various
fields including Architecture, ICT, Finance and Economy, President Kagame
reminded them that their time in China should be driven by a purpose beyond
their benefit and towards contributing to the development of Rwanda.
"What
I ask of you is that you do not waste this opportunity because once it is lost,
it is hard to get another one. It is your role to change Rwanda, to develop
Rwanda with the knowledge you are gaining. No one else will do it for you. Only
you can use what you learn elsewhere to advance your nation."
Referring to
the accomplishments mentioned by Victor Nshunguyimfura, President Kagame
thanked the Rwandan community in China for their contribution to Agaciro Fund
adding that the importance of contributing is not the amount.
"It is
the decision to take an active role in one's development and to stand together
in dignity. When you see a beggar on the street, does he have dignity? It is
the same for a country that lives off begging for money from elsewhere."
President
Kagame called on all those present to continue playing an active role in fast tracking
the progress of Rwanda. "When you go to school, you graduate. We should
also come to a point where we graduate from aid. You are not only leaders of
tomorrow but leaders of today. What you do with the opportunity you have been
given defines Rwanda's present, future and the dignity of our nation."
Following
his address, students and young professionals were given a chance to interact and
ask the President questions. One young professional and graduate of computer
science, Norbert Haguma, shared his vision of constructive connection between
China and Africa through an interactive platform matching needs in Africa with
educational opportunities in China.
Francoise
Mugwaneza stood up to tell the President about a song she wrote for him
entitled 'Shujaa' -the hero. She thanked him for what he has done for Rwanda
and personally handed him a CD with her song.
The New
Times of Rwanda